Laos

Luxury Laos Travel

Landlocked Laos only opened its doors to international travelers in the early ‘90s, and with relatively few international direct flights, the country remains less traveled than the rest of Southeast Asia. This is a place where monks clad in saffron robes drift down silent backstreets, private blessings await at hidden golden temples, and quieter stretches of the Mekong River are explored at sunset on serene cruises. Laos travel is for visitors looking for a slower pace in a part of Southeast Asia that’s a bit more off the beaten path.  

In the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang, discover the spiritual heart of the country, participating in traditional almsgiving and learning about meditation at a local temple. The city is also culturally rich, and you’ll get a chance to explore its architectural treasures and immerse yourself in culinary traditions during a cooking instructional in the home of a local. Head to the lush limestone mountains of Vang Vieng for outdoor adventure or spend time in the south in 4000 Islands for a languid escape along the Mekong River.  

Taking the road less traveled is often rewarded, and that’s certainly the case in Laos, Southeast Asia’s underrated crucible of culture and natural beauty. 

What is Laos Best Known For?

While Buddhism is practiced throughout Southeast Asia, Laos is a deeply spiritual place, and these time-honored traditions are woven into the fabric of everyday life. There’s also a strong sense of community and a pride in hospitality embodied in the everyday greeting you’ll hear often, sabaidee, which translates to “it goes well” and speaks to the warm, even-tempered spirit of the Lao people. This philosophy will make you feel welcome even in the most remote villages. 

Despite a turbulent modern history, Laos has remained rooted in tradition, which can be discovered through traditional Lao food. The influence of French colonialism is also still evident in architecture and cuisine, with bakeries often proffering fresh baguettes and delicate pastries. Other cultural traditions such as textile weaving, which varies by region and ethnic group, continue to thrive, particularly among the Hmong, Khmu, and Lao Loum peoples, each of which has a distinct language, customs, and way of life. 

New high-speed trains have started to make the more remote parts of Laos accessible, and what used to take a full day of travel between cities is now only an hour-long trip. As the country continues to modernize and expand infrastructure, it strives to balance development with preserving the culture and landscape that makes this place so enriching for travelers.  

Laos Travel Highlights

Visit a hidden temple in the UNESCO-designated city of Luang Prabang for a rare encounter with the resident monks, where you’ll learn the fundamentals of meditation. 
Kayak down the Nam Song, or Song River, taking in the lush landscape of Vang Vieng and arriving at Tham None, one of the largest caves in the region. 
Wander through the Xieng Khouan Buddha Park, a sculpture garden near Vientiane featuring work by an artist and mystic that highlights Hindu and Buddhist iconography. 
Embark on an off-roading adventure across southern Laos’ rugged Bolaven Plateau, where you’ll take in the dramatic mountain scenery formed from an ancient super volcano, and visit a secluded waterfall. 
Slow down with a visit to 4000 Islands, a constellation of islets that dot the Mekong River in the dry season. Go swimming, cycle past rice paddies and small villages, and take in the tumbling Liphi Waterfalls. 
Sip on a cold local beer as you cruise the Mekong River on board the privately chartered Gypsy boat, winding through rural northern Laos. 

What to Expect on a Luxury Trip to Laos

Memorable Accommodations: If you’re after a unique luxury stay in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Luang Prabang, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Check in to one of the luxury tented suites at Rosewood Luang Prabang or choose the refined and elegant Amantaka. There are plenty of comfortable options full of charm and character across the country too, from cruising the Mekong on the private Gypsy boat to Riverside Boutique Hotel, which is surrounded by Vang Vieng’s green mountains. 
Expert Guides: Wherever your trip in Laos takes you, you’ll have friendly and knowledgeable, English-speaking guides connecting you to the destination in a meaningful way, whether you’re exploring temples and spiritual traditions, trekking in the mountains, or taking a local cooking class.
Exclusive Experiences: Every trip we design is bespoke, and we pride ourselves on giving you access to exclusive experiences tailored to the type of travel that resonates with you. Expect private classes or workshops, and excursions led by expert guides and knowledgeable locals. Embark on a private tour with a French expat who had a hand in securing Luang Prabang’s UNESCO status or learn about animist traditions and try making Lao Hai, or rice wine, with a Khmu family in Vang Vieng.  
Seamless, Worry-Free Travel: Making your way from the main cities of Luang Prabang and Vientiane to Laos’ enchanting rural regions often requires expert logistics and scheduling. Your Laos specialist will weave your trip together seamlessly, arranging all transfers, private drivers, and connections so you can simply enjoy the journey. 
24/7 In-Destination Support: Our job doesn’t end when your boarding pass is printed. Extraordinary Journeys is always by your side while you’re traveling. We have reliable on-the-ground support, and a 24/7 concierge is just a phone call away.  

Laos Travel FAQs

Best Time to Travel to Laos

The best time to travel to Laos is during the dry season, which runs from November to April and is an ideal time for exploring, especially in cities like Luang Prabang and Vientiane. November to February is milder, while March to April brings hotter weather, but you’ll be treated to plenty of sunshine all season. 

Frequent rain and high humidity mark the wet season from May to October, particularly in the southern and mountainous regions. But the trade-off is lush, green landscapes and fewer tourists, which makes for a serene time for Laos travel. 

Luang Prabang has a tropical climate and the heat peaks from March to May, with temperatures hitting the high 90s Fahrenheit. During the wet season from May to October, you’ll experience brief, heavy downpours, often at night, with more prolonged rain in August and September. 
If you’re heading to southern Laos, particularly around 4000 Islands and the Bolaven Plateau, we recommend visiting during the dry season from November to April. Lower water levels during this time make it ideal for exploring the many waterfalls and islands of 4000 Islands. Heavy rainfall from May to October brings higher water levels and flooding, and roads on the Bolaven Plateau often become muddy and difficult to navigate. 

Where to Travel in Laos

Travel to Laos is often part of a trip across Southeast Asia, with many visitors opting for four to five days in Luang Prabang after visiting Thailand and Cambodia. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site steeped in history, tradition, and spirituality, and well worth a visit. But there is plenty to discover beyond this iconic destination too, from hiking and caving in the scenic outdoor adventure hub of Vang Vieng to exploring the riverine islands and rugged plateau of southern Laos.  

Luang Prabang

Hugged by the lush mountains of northern Laos, UNESCO-designated Luang Prabang is often touted as the country’s spiritual heart. Studded with golden temples and rich in history and tradition, the city is an essential part of Laos travel. Learn about Luang Prabang’s past on a heritage walking tour, enjoy a private blessing at a hidden temple, and taste regional flavors during a cooking class.  

Extraordinary Journeys elevates a visit to Luang Prabang on a visit to Kuang Si Falls (a Laos must-experience). Rather than arrive via the parking lot with every other visitor, you’ll hike in the back way, stopping off at ethnic villages to sip rice wine along the way. Enjoy a picnic lunch in a secretive forested spot before arriving at the postcard-pretty emerald pools for a refreshing dip.  

Vang Vieng

To experience the full extent of Laos’ natural beauty, head to Vang Vieng. This forested, mountainous area is a hotspot for trekking, caving, and cycling, and each adventure offers a look at the unique natural and cultural history of the region. A reformed backpacker hub, the scenic riverside town is now dotted with charming boutique hotels where you’ll experience warm Lao hospitality.  

4000 Islands & the Bolaven Plateau

Southern Laos offers a balance of relaxation and adventure, making it one of the country’s most dynamic regions. In the dry season, this part of the Mekong River is dotted with the countless islets of 4000 Islands, where you can embark on a bike tour, hop on a river cruise to navigate the smaller islands, or simply curl up in a hammock with a book. The Bolaven Plateau is best explored on an off-road jeep tour with stops at waterfalls and natural swimming pools, as well as coffee plantations, all with stunning highland scenery as the backdrop. 

Vientiane

Travel to Laos often begins in Vientiane, the smallest capital city in Southeast Asia. During your stay in this quiet, laid-back town, make time to visit some of the riverside markets and golden temples, or hop on a bike for a guided tour of its complex history. Stroll through the surreal Xieng Khuan Buddha Park just outside the city for a look at the work of artist and mystic Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat, whose sculptures combine Hindu and Buddhist iconography.   

Explore Laos on a Map

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